Foreign Ministry’s Undersecretary meets Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs

Manama, Nov. 23 (BNA): The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for International Affairs, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, met today the Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Keisuke Suzuki, on the sidelines of the 15th IISS Manama Dialogue. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa welcomed the Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs, expressing his pride in the development of relations between the two friendly countries, in light of the mutual keenness of the two countries to ensure the optimal implementation of the agreements signed between them, and promote comprehensive partnership. He also affirmed that relations between the two countries are based on solid principles of mutual respect and understanding. In this regard, he noted the regular political consultations meetings between the two countries, in implementation of the MoU signed during the historic visit of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to Japan in 2012, as well as the comprehensive security summit that resulted from the Japanese Prime Minister’s visit to the Kingdom in August 2013. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa also reviewed principles of the Kingdom's foreign policy and its responsible and consistent stances on regional and international issues, as well as its contributions to enhancing international peace and security. He also tackled the comprehensive reforms and qualitative initiatives in the Kingdom thanks to the reform approach of His Majesty the King. He added that there are many promising opportunities for the two friendly countries, especially as the Kingdom of Bahrain is an ideal destination for new quality investments, logistics and a digital technology platform within the framework of Bahrain Economic Vision 2030. He also stressed the importance of combating terrorism in all its forms, including its funding sources, pointing out the danger of some countries’ sponsorships of terrorist organisations, as well as the interference in the internal affairs of the countries of the region, in violation of the principles of good neighbourliness and international conventions. He also condemned all acts that threaten the safety of navigation and international trade. The Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Keisuke Suzuki, expressed Japan’s welcoming of enhancing cooperation with the Kingdom of Bahrain. He also hailed the Kingdom’s hosting of international events, further enhancing its status and role in establishing peace and security, wishing the Kingdom of Bahrain further progress and prosperity.